Page 62 of Old Money

“He what?”

I sigh.

“He wants me to quit my job. He says I’ve been working so much that I’m not enjoying my last semester. And that after everything I’ve been through this year, I deserve the break. He gave me the same amount of money that I would make working the same number of shifts each week at the mini-mart, plus a little extra. It’s already in my account,” I say. She stares at me intently.

“Okay,” she says with a slight pause. “And how do you feel about that?”

I shrug.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I mean, you always taught me not to depend on anyone financially, especially a man. But on the other hand, man, it would be really nice not to work that job. Just to chill for a little bit before I join the real world. I don’t know…what do you think?”

She thinks for a minute.

“I hear you, baby,” she says. “But honey, I never depended on anyone because I didn’t have the option to. As a woman, I want nothing more than for you to be able to have that freedom financially. But honey, there is plenty of time for that. This man…he loves you. And as your mom, selfishly, it makes me ecstatic. He’s right. You deserve it. And if I could give you the same thing, I would a million times over. Honey, our life has beenhard.And a few months ago, yours got even harder. I love how independent you are, baby. But please don’t make the mistake of thinking you don’t deserve love and the things that come with it.”

I nod.

“I know. You’re right,” I say. “I just don’t want to take advantage of him. I don’t want him to think I’m with him for that.”

She smiles.

“Baby, if I know you, I know you’ve never asked that man for a single thing as long as you’ve known him. Am I right?” I nod. “Exactly. Let him love you. And love him back.”

I smile and snuggle up next to her.

That ship has certainly sailed.

The last morningof break at home with my mom, I wake up before my alarm, my stomach in knots. I don’t want to leave my mom, but I am desperate for him. My body aches, and I haven’t stopped twirling the key around my neck. I send him a text when I get up.

Packing up now. I can’t wait to see you,I send.

An hour goes by, but no response. I know he’s been in all-day meetings this week, so I don’t read too much into it while I get my things together. Mom drives me to the airport, and we follow Russ’s instructions and use the badges they left us to get onto the private tarmac. I send off another text.

At the airport,I send off.About to board.

Nothing.

My Spidey-senses are tingling. I turn to my mom.

“I miss you already,” I tell her. “I can’t wait to see you again.”

She pulls me in for a long hug.

“I’ll cash in those miles from Julian soon,” she says as she squeezes me. “Let’s pick a date when you’re back.”

I nod.

“I love you, Ma,” I say. She kisses my cheeks a million times.

“I love you, sweetie.”

She gets out when I do, standing at her car and watching the whole way as I climb the stairs to the plane. She waves until the plane door closes, and I blow her one final kiss from the window.

I look down at my phone again.

About to take off. I love you.

I wait until lift off.

---